Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic device comprising: a touch screen; a processor electrically connected to the touch screen and configured to: receive a touch input applied to the touch screen; detect a first location of the received touch input; set a virtual area related to the detected first location on the touch screen, based on at least one condition including touch coordinates of the received touch input as a center point; detect a touch hold duration corresponding to a time during which the touch input is received; adjust the virtual area to decrease in size as the touch hold duration increases; detect, when the received touch input is released, a second location on the touch screen from which the touch input is released; determine whether the detected second location is within the virtual area; when it is determined that the detected second location is within the virtual area or is outside of a display range of an object but within the adjusted virtual area, execute at least one function corresponding to the touch input; and when it is determined that the detected second location is outside of the virtual area and the adjusted virtual area, cancel the touch input.
This invention relates to touch screen interfaces for electronic devices, addressing the challenge of improving touch input accuracy and reducing unintended selections. The device includes a touch screen and a processor that processes touch inputs. When a touch is detected, the processor identifies the initial touch location and establishes a virtual area centered on that point. The size of this virtual area dynamically decreases over time as the user holds their finger on the screen. If the touch is released within this shrinking virtual area, the device executes a function associated with the input. If the touch is released outside the virtual area, the input is canceled. This mechanism allows users to fine-tune their selection by adjusting the touch duration, reducing accidental selections and improving precision. The virtual area can also account for objects displayed on the screen, ensuring that releases near but outside an object's display range are still valid if they fall within the adjusted virtual area. The system enhances touch interaction by combining spatial and temporal input parameters to refine user intent.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to: ascertain, when the first location is included within the display range of the object, that the object is selected; control the touch screen to display information indicating that the object has been selected; execute, when the second location is included within the display range of the object or the virtual area, at least one function corresponding to the selection of the object; recognize, when the second location is outside the display range of the object or the virtual area, a touch selecting the object as an cancel input; and control the touch screen to cancel the display of information indicating that the object has been selected.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch screen interfaces, specifically improving object selection and interaction. The problem addressed is the ambiguity in touch-based selection, where unintended touches or movements can lead to incorrect selections or unintended actions. The solution involves a processor that enhances touch interaction by dynamically determining selection states based on touch location relative to an object's display range and a virtual area. When a touch input at a first location is detected within the display range of an object, the processor confirms the object is selected and displays a visual indication. If a subsequent touch at a second location is within the object's display range or a predefined virtual area, the processor executes a function associated with the selected object. However, if the second touch is outside these ranges, the processor interprets it as a cancellation, removing the selection indication. This mechanism ensures that only intentional touches trigger actions, reducing accidental selections. The virtual area provides flexibility in touch positioning while maintaining selection accuracy. The system dynamically adjusts to user input, improving touch interface reliability in applications like graphical user interfaces or virtual environments.
3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch screen comprises an active area displaying a graphic user interface and an inactive area around the active area, and wherein the processor is further configured to cancel the touch input, based on at least part of the determination as to whether the second location is within the touch recognition area created in the active area of the touch screen.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch screens, specifically addressing the problem of unintended touch inputs in inactive areas surrounding the active display region. The device includes a touch screen with an active area displaying a graphical user interface and an inactive area around the active area. A processor is configured to detect touch inputs and determine whether a touch input's second location (e.g., a subsequent touch point) falls within a touch recognition area created in the active area. If the second location is outside this recognition area, the processor cancels the touch input, preventing unintended actions. The touch recognition area may be dynamically adjusted based on factors like touch duration, movement, or user preferences. This solution improves touch accuracy by distinguishing between intentional and accidental inputs, particularly in devices where inactive areas are sensitive to touch. The processor may also analyze touch patterns to refine recognition area boundaries over time. The invention enhances user experience by reducing false activations in edge or inactive regions of the touch screen.
4. The electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the processor is further configured to measure the touch hold duration from a timing when the touch signal is generated, and decreases the size of the touch recognition area generated in the active area as the touch hold duration elapses.
This invention relates to touch-sensitive electronic devices, specifically improving touch recognition accuracy by dynamically adjusting the touch recognition area based on touch hold duration. The problem addressed is unintended touch activations, such as when a user's hand or palm rests on a touchscreen, causing false inputs. The device includes a touch-sensitive display with an active area for detecting touch signals and a processor that measures the duration a touch is held. As the touch hold duration increases, the processor reduces the size of the touch recognition area within the active area. This prevents prolonged touches from triggering unintended actions, such as when a user's palm rests on the screen while typing. The adjustment is gradual, ensuring normal touch interactions remain unaffected while minimizing false activations. The processor may also ignore touch signals that exceed a predefined hold duration threshold, further reducing accidental inputs. This dynamic adjustment improves usability by distinguishing between intentional and unintentional touches based on duration.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to increase or decrease a reference size of the initially virtual area to, based on at least one a type of app executed on the screen of the touch screen, a size of the object, and a movement state of the electronic device.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch screens, specifically improving user interaction by dynamically adjusting a virtual area used for touch input. The problem addressed is the difficulty of accurately detecting touch inputs, especially when the device is moving or when different types of applications are running, which can lead to unintended inputs or missed interactions. The device includes a touch screen and a processor that defines an initial virtual area for touch input. The processor then adjusts the size of this virtual area based on factors such as the type of application being used, the size of the object being interacted with, and the movement state of the device. For example, if the device is moving, the virtual area may be increased to compensate for shaky or imprecise touches. Similarly, if a large object is being selected, the virtual area may expand to make selection easier, while for small objects, it may shrink to improve precision. Different applications may also require different virtual area sizes to optimize usability. This dynamic adjustment ensures that touch inputs are more reliable and responsive, adapting to the user's context and environment. The invention enhances the overall user experience by reducing errors and improving interaction accuracy in various scenarios.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising: a sensor unit for sensing a movement state of the electronic device, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust, when the degree of movement of the electronic device is greater than a threshold, the virtual area to be greater than a reference size, based on a sensed value provided by the sensor unit.
This invention relates to electronic devices with adaptive virtual interaction areas, addressing the challenge of maintaining usability during movement. The device includes a sensor unit that detects the movement state of the device, such as acceleration or orientation changes. A processor dynamically adjusts the size of a virtual interaction area—such as a touch-sensitive or gesture-recognition zone—based on the detected movement. If the device's movement exceeds a predefined threshold, the processor expands the virtual area beyond a standard reference size to compensate for potential inaccuracies caused by motion, ensuring reliable user input. The sensor unit provides real-time data on movement parameters, enabling the processor to make precise adjustments. This adaptive mechanism improves usability in dynamic environments, such as during walking or transportation, by reducing input errors and enhancing responsiveness. The invention is particularly useful for portable devices like smartphones, tablets, or wearable technology, where movement-induced interference can degrade interaction accuracy. The system ensures consistent performance by dynamically scaling the interaction zone in response to motion, maintaining functionality without requiring user intervention.
7. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a memory that includes reference information to classify application programs into a dynamic program, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust the virtual area to be greater than a reference size, when a type of app, executed on the screen of the touch screen, is classified into a dynamic program related to one of a momentum and a movement of the electronic device.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch screens, particularly for optimizing virtual area adjustments based on application program classification. The problem addressed is inefficient use of display space when running dynamic applications that respond to device motion or momentum, such as games or augmented reality apps, which may require larger interactive areas than static applications. The device includes a processor, a touch screen, and a memory storing reference information to classify applications into dynamic programs. Dynamic programs are those that interact with device motion or momentum, such as motion-controlled games or navigation apps. The processor adjusts the virtual area of the touch screen to be larger than a reference size when a dynamic program is running. This adjustment ensures sufficient interactive space for motion-based inputs, improving responsiveness and user experience. The memory stores classification criteria to identify dynamic programs, allowing the processor to automatically apply the virtual area adjustment when such programs are detected. The touch screen displays the application while the processor dynamically modifies the virtual input area to accommodate motion-based interactions, enhancing precision and reducing input errors. This solution optimizes display utilization for dynamic applications while maintaining standard functionality for static programs.
8. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to detect a form of the object displayed on the touch screen and set the detected object to the form of the virtual area.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch screens that interact with virtual areas and objects. The problem addressed is the need for precise and intuitive control over virtual areas when manipulating objects on a touch screen. The device includes a touch screen, a processor, and a memory storing instructions for the processor. The processor is configured to display a virtual area on the touch screen, detect an object displayed on the touch screen, and adjust the virtual area based on the detected object. The processor can also detect the form (shape or configuration) of the object and set the virtual area to match this detected form. This allows the virtual area to dynamically adapt to the shape of the object, improving user interaction and control. The device may also include sensors to detect user input, such as touch or gesture inputs, and adjust the virtual area accordingly. The processor can further analyze the object's properties, such as size, orientation, or movement, to refine the virtual area's configuration. This ensures seamless integration between the object and the virtual area, enhancing usability in applications like gaming, design, or productivity tools. The invention improves user experience by providing a more responsive and adaptive interface.
9. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to decrease the virtual area, gradually, by a certain size, each time when the touch hold duration elapses periodically at a certain time interval.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing virtual input areas for touch interactions. The device includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor that detects touch inputs within a defined virtual area. The processor adjusts the size of this virtual area based on the duration of touch hold events. Specifically, the processor gradually reduces the virtual area by a predetermined size each time a touch hold duration elapses at regular time intervals. This dynamic adjustment allows for more precise touch input control over time, reducing unintended activations as the user maintains contact. The processor may also expand the virtual area if the touch hold duration is not met, ensuring flexibility in user interaction. The invention enhances touch input accuracy by dynamically adapting the active touch region based on user behavior, improving usability in applications requiring sustained touch interactions.
10. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising: a sensor configured to sense a pressure of the touch input, wherein the processor is further configured to: set, when the pressure of the touch input at the first location is greater than a threshold, a size of the initially virtual area to have a size smaller than a reference size and set, when the pressure of the touch input at the first location is less than or equal to a threshold, the size of the initially virtual area to have a size greater than a reference size.
The invention relates to touch-sensitive electronic devices that adjust the size of a virtual interaction area based on the pressure applied during a touch input. The problem addressed is improving user interaction precision and efficiency by dynamically modifying the virtual area size in response to touch pressure, allowing finer control when higher pressure is detected and broader interaction when lower pressure is applied. The device includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor that defines a virtual area for touch interactions. A sensor measures the pressure of a touch input at a first location on the display. If the pressure exceeds a predefined threshold, the processor reduces the size of the virtual area below a reference size, enabling more precise control. Conversely, if the pressure is at or below the threshold, the virtual area size is increased above the reference size, facilitating broader interactions. This adaptive sizing enhances usability by tailoring the interaction area to the user's input force, improving both accuracy and ease of use. The system may also include additional features such as gesture recognition or multi-touch support, as referenced in earlier claims, to further refine touch interactions.
11. A method of recognizing a touch input in an electronic device comprising: receiving a touch input for selecting an object displayed on a touch screen of the electronic device; detecting a first location corresponding to the received touch input on the touch screen; setting a virtual area related to the detected first location, based on at least one condition including initial touch coordinates of the received touch input as a center point; detecting a touch hold duration corresponding to a time during which the touch input is received; adjusting the virtual area to decrease in size as the touch hold duration increases; detecting, when the touch input is released, a second location on the touch screen from which the touch input is released; determining whether the detected second location is within the virtual area; when it is determined that the detected second location is within the virtual area or is outside of a display range of an object but within the adjusted virtual area, executing at least one function corresponding to the touch input, and when it is determined that the detected second location is outside of the display range of the object and the adjusted virtual area, cancelling the touch input.
This invention relates to touch input recognition in electronic devices with touch screens, addressing the challenge of accurately interpreting touch gestures, particularly when users may unintentionally move their fingers during selection. The method improves touch input reliability by dynamically adjusting a virtual selection area based on touch duration. When a user touches an object on the screen, the system detects the initial touch coordinates and sets a virtual area centered around them. As the user holds their finger on the screen, the virtual area shrinks over time, reducing the tolerance for movement. Upon release, the system checks if the final touch position is within the virtual area or within the object's display range. If so, the corresponding function is executed; otherwise, the input is canceled. This approach prevents accidental selections caused by minor finger movements while maintaining responsiveness for intentional gestures. The method ensures precise touch interactions by dynamically balancing movement tolerance and selection accuracy based on hold duration.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein determining whether at least one function is executed further comprises: executing at least one function corresponding to the selection of the object when the first location is included within the display range of the object, and when the second location is included within one of the display range of the object or the virtual area; and recognizing the touch input for selecting the object as a cancel input if when the second location is outside the display range of the object or the virtual area.
This invention relates to touch-based user interfaces for electronic devices, specifically improving object selection and function execution in touchscreen environments. The problem addressed is the ambiguity in touch inputs when a user selects an object and then moves their finger, which can lead to unintended actions or cancellations. The solution involves a method that distinguishes between intended function execution and cancellation based on the movement of the touch input relative to the object's display range and a virtual area. The method first detects a touch input selecting an object displayed on a touchscreen. It then tracks the movement of the touch input to a second location. The system determines whether to execute a function associated with the object or cancel the selection based on the second location. If the second location is within the object's display range or a predefined virtual area, the corresponding function is executed. If the second location is outside both the object's display range and the virtual area, the selection is canceled. This approach ensures that minor movements do not trigger unintended actions while allowing deliberate movements to execute functions or cancel selections. The virtual area provides flexibility in touch input interpretation, accommodating natural user behavior.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein detecting a first location further comprises: recognizing that the object has been selected when the first location is within the display range of the object displayed on the touch screen; displaying information, notifying that the object has been selected, on the touch screen; and cancelling, when a touch input for selecting the object is recognized as a cancel input, the display of information notifying that the object has been selected.
This invention relates to touchscreen-based user interfaces, specifically improving object selection and feedback mechanisms. The problem addressed is the ambiguity in touchscreen interactions where unintended selections or lack of clear feedback can lead to user confusion. The solution involves a method for detecting and confirming object selection on a touchscreen, providing immediate visual feedback, and allowing cancellation of the selection if unintended. The method first recognizes when a user's touch input corresponds to a location within the display range of an object on the screen. Upon detecting this, the system displays a notification indicating that the object has been selected, providing clear feedback to the user. If the touch input is subsequently recognized as a cancellation gesture (e.g., a swipe or tap elsewhere), the system cancels the selection and removes the notification, preventing unintended actions. This ensures that users can confirm or undo selections seamlessly, enhancing usability and reducing errors in touch-based interactions. The approach is particularly useful in applications where precise selection is critical, such as graphic design tools, mapping interfaces, or any touchscreen environment requiring clear selection feedback.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein setting the area related to the detected first location further comprises: adjusting a reference size of the virtual area to one of increase and decrease, based on at least one of a type of app executed on the screen of the touch screen, a size of the object, and a movement state of the electronic device.
This invention relates to touch screen interfaces for electronic devices, specifically improving the accuracy and usability of touch input detection. The problem addressed is the variability in touch input precision due to factors like app type, object size, and device movement, which can lead to unintended selections or missed inputs. The method involves dynamically adjusting the size of a virtual area around a detected touch location to enhance input accuracy. The virtual area is a predefined region used to determine the intended target of a touch input. The adjustment is based on factors such as the type of application running on the screen, the size of the object being interacted with, and the movement state of the device. For example, in a drawing app, the virtual area may be expanded to accommodate broader strokes, while in a text input app, it may be reduced for precise character selection. If the device is moving, the virtual area may be enlarged to compensate for shaky input. This adaptive sizing ensures that touch inputs are accurately interpreted regardless of external conditions, improving user experience. The method may also involve tracking the movement of the touch input to further refine the virtual area's boundaries.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein setting the area related to the first location further comprises: determining a movement state of the electronic device using a sensed value provided by a sensor unit of the electronic device; and adjusting, when a degree of movement of the electronic device is greater than a threshold, the virtual area to be greater than the reference size.
This invention relates to adjusting a virtual area on an electronic device based on movement detection. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate interaction with a touch-sensitive display when the device is in motion, which can lead to unintended inputs or errors. The solution involves dynamically adjusting the size of a virtual area associated with a first location on the display based on the device's movement state. The method uses a sensor unit, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, to detect the device's movement. If the sensed movement exceeds a predefined threshold, the virtual area is expanded beyond a reference size to compensate for potential inaccuracies caused by the motion. This adjustment helps maintain usability by reducing the likelihood of misregistration or unintended touch inputs during movement. The reference size represents a default area for stable conditions, while the expanded area accounts for motion-induced deviations. The sensor data is continuously monitored to determine the degree of movement, ensuring real-time adaptation of the virtual area. This approach enhances touch interaction reliability in dynamic environments, such as while walking or during transportation.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein receiving the touch input further comprises: measuring a pressure of the touch input; setting, based on the pressure of the touch input at the first location and when the pressure of a touch is greater than a preset threshold, the size of the initially virtual area to have a size smaller than a reference size; and setting, based on the pressure of the touch input at the first location and when the pressure of a touch is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the size of the initially virtual area to have a size greater than a reference size.
A touch-sensitive device with pressure-sensitive virtual area adjustment is disclosed. The invention addresses the challenge of providing intuitive and precise touch interactions by dynamically adjusting the size of a virtual area based on the pressure applied during touch input. The virtual area represents a region on a touch-sensitive surface where subsequent touch inputs are processed or interpreted. The method involves detecting a touch input at a first location on the touch-sensitive surface and measuring the pressure of that touch. If the pressure exceeds a preset threshold, the initially defined virtual area is set to a size smaller than a reference size, enabling finer control for precise interactions. Conversely, if the pressure is below or equal to the threshold, the virtual area is set to a size larger than the reference size, facilitating broader or less precise interactions. This pressure-based adjustment allows users to adapt the touch interface behavior based on the force applied, improving usability in applications requiring varying levels of precision. The method may be applied in touchscreens, touchpads, or other pressure-sensitive input devices to enhance user experience by dynamically responding to touch pressure variations.
17. A method of recognizing a touch input in an electronic device comprising: receiving a touch input applied to a touch screen of the electronic device; setting, based on a first location touched on the touch screen, a virtual area on the touch screen as a first size, the first location including initial touch coordinates of the received touch input as a center point; decreasing the virtual area to a second size as a touch hold duration during which the touch input is maintained elapses; and recognizing the touch input as a cancel input when the touch input is released and when a second location from which the touch input is released is outside the virtual area and the second sizes.
This invention relates to touch input recognition in electronic devices, specifically addressing the challenge of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional touch inputs. The method improves touchscreen interaction by dynamically adjusting a virtual area around an initial touch point to reduce accidental activations. When a touch input is received on a touchscreen, a virtual area is set around the initial touch coordinates, with the touch point as the center. The size of this virtual area decreases over time as the touch is held. If the touch is released outside this shrinking virtual area, the input is recognized as a cancel command, effectively ignoring the touch. This mechanism helps prevent unintended selections or actions when a user touches the screen but does not intend to interact with it. The dynamic adjustment of the virtual area ensures that only deliberate, sustained touches are registered, improving user experience by minimizing accidental inputs. The method is particularly useful in devices where touchscreens are prone to accidental touches, such as smartphones or tablets.
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November 3, 2020
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